The following day there was an ominous presence in the office. Luke Bradford’s statement made for grim reading. DI Rutherford had called everyone in for an early meeting. She seemed distracted. Maggie had heard that DCI Hastings had not shown up for work and no one could get hold of him. That left DI Rutherford to relay the news to the press, but she had a meeting with Julie Noble first, as Julie had been promised an exclusive.
‘Can I have everyone’s attention, please.’ The room fell silent. ‘I hope you’ve all had the chance to read the statement. The highlights are as follows: it looks like Luke Bradford may go down a diminished capacity route given he’s adamant that Dr Moloney is his daughter. His claim that he had no intention of murdering the other women, that their deaths were “merely an accidental and unfortunate mistake” in his quest to ensure that he could spend his last time on earth with his daughter again … Christ, I don’t even want to go on, this is so sick.’ DI Rutherford took a moment to compose herself. ‘He seems to feel he has some connection with the dead. He mentions his father, a funeral director who has been deceased for some time now, locking him in the funeral home where the dead became his “friends”. His words, not mine. He also refers to the American serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer – for those of you not familiar with him, he attempted to lobotomise his victims to try and keep them alive … unsuccessfully. The digital forensic team found videos of how to perform a lobotomy and many searches referencing the practice.’
‘Have we heard anything back from the CPS yet? He’s admitted the murders, so surely with his diagnosis we have a case to argue for an expedited trial?’ Maggie shuddered. Kate had been so close to being the next victim.
DI Rutherford shook her head. ‘Too early for that. They’ll have to read the statements, have a psychologist assess his competence … all that. Though they are in agreement that we can charge him formally at this stage.’
‘Absolute bollocks.’ Kat piped in. ‘If this guy gets a cosy sentence …’
‘We all feel your anger, Kat.’ DI Rutherford motioned across the room. ‘But let’s focus that anger on making sure we have all the evidence in place to ensure he gets his just desserts.’
‘Has anyone spoken to Kate yet?’ Maggie wanted to be the one to explain everything to her friend.
‘Not yet. But there is a FLO with her and I understand she is being discharged from the hospital this morning. DI Calleja advised that Kate will be returning to Ireland and I’ve no idea when, or if … she will be returning to the DAHU. Those plans we discussed will need to be put on hold now, Maggie.’
Maggie and DI Rutherford had been working on a proposal for the Police and Crime Commissioner to second Kate in the MOCD as a consultant. She’d work on profiles and assist on murder investigations.
‘I thought that may be the case. Hopefully, time away will give Kate some closure and she may reconsider the offer in the future.’
‘Get everything together to charge this bastard and take DC Everett with you. If Kate is still in hospital you can explain what’s happening; otherwise head over to her home as soon as you’re done – I don’t want her finding out anything from the news. I’ll update the FLO so he’s aware of what’s happening.’ Maggie made a move to go, tapping Kat as she walked past, when she heard a mobile ring.
‘Hang on a moment.’ DI Rutherford held a hand up as she answered her phone. Her shoulders slumped, and Maggie returned to her seat. As DI Rutherford’s face grew paler, Maggie’s nerves were on edge.
‘Guv, what is it?’ Maggie frowned. DI Rutherford’s hands shook and Maggie couldn’t tell if it was from anger or nerves, until she spoke.
‘That was the hospital. It seems Mr Bradford decided that his time on this earth was up and he self-administered a fatal dose of morphine about an hour ago, just after the doctor had made his rounds. He was pronounced dead half an hour ago.’
‘That fucking coward!’ Kat stood. ‘He’s lucky he’s dead or I’d kill him myself.’
‘That’s enough, Kat. This changes things slightly. Nathan, can you inform the CPS of this development and also the victims’ families. Take someone with you if you need to. I’ll let the higher-ups know … if I can find any.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘And I’ll also speak to that reporter, Julie Noble. We promised her an exclusive and even though it may not be the right outcome, it’s something. Maggie, you and Kat can go and visit Dr Moloney. Make sure you update the FLO first in case the hospital staff leaks the information to the press – and try and be sensitive, OK? Emotions are likely to be running high and we need to contain things until we have the full details.’
Looking around the room, Maggie saw various degrees of disappointment, anger, and disgust among her colleagues. Kat was right when she called Luke Bradford a coward and now Kate would not get the closure she needed. Maggie could only hope that this would not sway Kate’s decision and force her to leave her job permanently.
‘Are you ready to go now? I’ve no idea what I’m going to say to Kate to make this situation any better. On the one hand, he’s dead.’ Maggie rubbed her hands. ‘But now justice won’t be served to either Kate or the victims’ families, and I can just imagine what the press will make of all this. Somehow it will be our fault – especially since he was right under our noses all along.’